Petrol Price Surge Sparks Hardship As Sokoto, Bayelsa Motorists Abandon Vehicles

Motorists and commuters in Sokoto and Bayelsa states have raised the alarm over the sharp increase in petrol prices, saying the development is worsening transportation costs and imposing fresh economic hardship on residents.

In Sokoto, motorists described the latest pump price increase as unbearable, with some saying they have been forced to park their vehicles and depend on public transportation to cope with the rising cost of fuel.

Checks by Arise News at filling stations across the Sokoto metropolis showed petrol selling between ₦1,460 and ₦1,470 per litre at stations with products. Several other stations were shut at the time of the visit, reportedly due to lack of supply.

Motorists and an economist who spoke on the development said the increase was affecting household budgets and daily economic activities, with residents increasingly seeking alternative means of transportation and survival.

The situation is also being felt in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where petrol prices have risen to about ₦1,400 per litre at some independent filling stations, from between ₦1,260 and ₦1,300 last week.

Checks at Shafa Energy, Kimiowei Oil and Sobaz showed the new pump price, while NNPCL stations were selling at ₦1,390 per litre.

Transport operators, motorists and commuters said the increase had already translated into higher transport fares and rising food prices, urging the Federal Government to urgently intervene to prevent further pressure on households.